TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Horace Luke (陸學森), founder of electric scooter giant Gogoro, resigned as chairman and CEO last Friday (Sept. 13). A top official from the Ruentex Group (潤泰集團), one of its major investors, will take over Luke's chairman role.
Tamon Tseng (曾達夢), Ruentex Group's legal chief and Ruen Chen Investment Holding (潤成投控) chairman, will become Gogoro chairman, while Gogoro Taiwan general manager Henry Chiang (姜家煒) steps in as acting CEO.
The board immediately approved Luke's resignation, which took effect on the same day. Luke, who founded Gogoro on Aug. 29, 2011, led the company to become a globally recognized brand and a representative of Taiwan's innovation.
Gogoro faces allegations of using Chinese-made key components in two scooter models while still applying for Taiwanese government subsidies.
Despite Gogoro's unicorn status in Taiwan and its U.S. listing two years ago, the company has struggled with declining operations. Its stock price plummeted from a peak of US$17.59 to US$1.05.
Chiang committed to ongoing communication with regulatory authorities to clarify the facts and prioritize customer interests. Tseng, who joined Ruentex Group in 1992, aims to lead Gogoro into a new era.